The unexpected shutdown sent parkgoers flocking to other nearby businesses

SANDUSKY -- Cedar Point is up and running again after a water main break closed it down this past weekend.

The unexpected shutdown brought frustration for some park enthusiasts, but it also sent a lot of customers to nearby businesses.

Some business owners say that the brutal winter has extended the Sandusky school year by more than a week, and that has taken away a lot of customers.

They say that this weekend was a much needed surprise.

A group of eighth-grade graduates from Janesville, Wis., raised money for two years for a trip to Cedar Point.

On Monday, they got the skating rink to themselves at Ghostly Manor, but that wasn't the case this past weekend.

When Cedar Point shut down, businesses in town picked up.

"It was a little disappointing at first, but there were lots of other things to do to have fun," said tourist Cole Turner.

Ghostly Manner was so packed, customers filled the lobby and the parking lot.

"We had to call in employees last minute because that unexpected happened, but it kinda worked out for us," said Sales and Marketing Manager Laura Criscione.

Down the road, Goofy Golf saw three times more business than they've ever had in the month of June, and they've been open for 29 years.

"All of a sudden people were coming in saying Cedar Point was closed, and we actually didn't believe them," said owner Roger Andrews.

While some thought it was a joke, others heard rumors.

"I think I saw it on Facebook, that Kim and Kanye were having their honeymoon at Cedar Point, but I figured it was just a rumor and someone was trying to be funny," said Matt Fisher with Danny Boy's restaurant.

For the graduates from Wisconsin, the wait was worth it.

"It was really fun," said Turner.

To make up for the park closing, Cedar Point is offering $20 off the regular park admission and a free ticket to the water park.